About This Role
This role focuses on formulating shelf-stable, milk-based beverage products and managing their development from prototype to commercialization. The scientist will work with regulatory teams to ensure compliance with FDA standards and label claims, build customer relationships, and provide technical support to operations.
Responsibilities
- Develop new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas
- Produce benchtop samples and evaluate for shipment to customers
- Set up formulas and processes for plant trials and production
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, and Quality to conduct pilot and production trials for customer and thermal process testing
- Provide timely and appropriate product information to support customer requirements
- Create product specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels, assuring products meet appropriate FDA/USDA requirements for shelf-stable products
- Leverage outside resources to recommend new technology platforms to support new beverage product development
- Act as a subject matter expert for dairy-based beverages and emulsions
- Maintain beverage lab and pilot plant, overseeing ingredient inventories, supplies, equipment cleaning and maintenance
- Provide technical support and leadership to operations
- Assist with thermal processing studies in pilot and production retorts, under the direction of management and Process Authority
- Ensure documentation of formulas and product parameters to meet LACF requirements
- Review product-related artwork and ensure it meets regulatory (FDA, USDA, DOT, State) and internal requirements for labeling and design
Requirements
- Minimum B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, or related field
- Preferred Masters in Dairy Science
- Preferred 5-7 years of food product development and commercialization experience
- Solid understanding of emulsions, milk and whey proteins, food safety, and allergens
- Retort experience desired
- Ability to discriminate flavors
- Demonstrates initiative and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent relationship skills and ability to work directly with customers and sales
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Ability to maintain and operate laboratory and pilot equipment
- Ability to work in a production environment and support production trials in a 24/7 operation
- Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
